VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, has only been with us for a relatively short time. Started in 1995 by a small company called Vocaltec, the first Internet phone software used a standard PC’s microphone, sound card and speakers to make phone calls to other PCs using the H.323 protocol. Although initially reasonably successful, it had one major drawback. The quality was terrible, not because of the software, but because the technology was limited to the then poor quality microphones that most PCs came with.

Fast forward 15 years and things for VoIP have changed dramatically. Now, thanks to a massive advance in technology, a different protocol and the ability to link an ordinary telephone to a Voice over IP system, the voice clarity is equivalent to that of an ordinary telephone landline, if not better. One of the major advances has been the increase in Internet broadband speeds. Thanks to fibre optics and a host of advances in broadband technology, the old bugbear of connections being dropped in the middle of a call that the old Voice over IP systems suffered from has been eliminated.

New technology and new deals

But it’s not just new technology that has meant a huge improvement of the voice clarity and quality of VoIP calls. Voice over IP is ideal for businesses that have satellite offices in other parts of the world because of the range of call plans that providers are now offering. With VoIP to VoIP calls charged at a vastly discounted price compared to the more traditional landline calls, many businesses are making large cost savings on their communications bills by adopting a VoIP call plan. It means that they can call an office on the other side of the world for the same cost as dialling a local number, improving business communications and making calls to suppliers and customers cheaper than ever. Call plans can include several countries, free UK and weekend calls as well as specific packages designed to suit the individual customer’s needs.

Because VoIP uses the broadband system, the clarity of the calls is also better than the crackly, delayed quality that traditional distance landlines offered. This presents a more professional business image and the use of the very latest technology also indicates that the user is up to date with modern business methods. All of this can go a long way to improving a business’s reputation with international customers and associates.

What’s the future for VoIP?

The future is looking good for Voice over IP. The latest technology allows an ordinary phone to be connected to a VoIP system with just a small adapter, meaning that using the technology is literally as simple as picking up the phone. The savings that incorporating a VoIP system into a company’s business communications plan are substantial, and as more people adopt VoIP, the marketplace is growing at a phenomenal rate. Better quality and flexible call packages designed to suit any size business also means that the advantages of VoIP are not restricted to big business. Small and medium sized companies can take advantage of the latest in telephony as well. Communications experts are watching the VoIP phenomenon with interest, and it could be that, particularly for international calls, the old landline system is in its twilight years, eclipsed by a faster, cheaper and better quality technology. VoIP is the future of business communications, and it’s all thanks to broadband.